TIME100 Next Gala Honors Global Emerging Leaders, Highlights Diversity and Humanitarian Issues

The 2025 TIME100 Next Gala held at Pier 59 in New York City celebrated a diverse group of emerging leaders from fields including health, climate, business, sports, and entertainment. Honorees such as pop star Tate McRae, actors Jonathan Bailey and Tramell Tillman, poet Emi Mahmoud Wilson, and scientist Brandon Sorbom shared performances and heartfelt toasts reflecting on their roots, aspirations, and commitment to making the world a better place. Fashion highlights included bold and sensual looks from Maura Higgins in Mônot, Becky G in AMIRI, and Teyana Taylor in Tom Ford by Haider Ackermann, with some commentary on the tonal fit of certain outfits. The event also provided a platform for meaningful conversations and recognition of social and humanitarian issues, including Emi Mahmoud Wilson's tribute to victims of the Darfur genocide and Tillman's homage to his grandparents' activism during Jim Crow. The evening underscored themes of hope, equality, and community, with several honorees emphasizing the importance of honoring ancestors and working collectively towards a better future. Overall, the gala combined celebration, reflection, and advocacy while spotlighting emerging leaders and their contributions across various sectors.